Optoelectronic module with integrated variable optical attenuator

Abstract

An optoelectronic module includes a variable optical attenuator with further passive and active optical components to form an integrated module, which is inexpensive and yields small yet robust packages. The module provides for a variable output power and can be installed and replaced via a ‘hot pluggable’ connector.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An optoelectronic module comprising a light source, a variable optical attenuator, and an output means, wherein said light source and said output means are optically connected via said variable optical attenuator and wherein said light source, said variable optical attenuator and said output means are disposed within a housing.  
     
     
         2 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said output means is a fibre stub.  
     
     
         3 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said light source is a laser.  
     
     
         4 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said module further comprises an isolator disposed within said housing.  
     
     
         5 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said module further comprises means for monitoring light transmitted by said variable optical attenuator.  
     
     
         6 . A module as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said means for monitoring light comprises a beam splitter and a detector.  
     
     
         7 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said variable optical attenuator is a micro-electromechanical variable optical attenuator.  
     
     
         8 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said variable optical attenuator is a liquid crystal variable optical attenuator.  
     
     
         9 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said module is “hot pluggable”.  
     
     
         10 . A module as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said module is an optical transceiver for use in a dense wavelength division multiplexing system.